§2282A Devices or Dangerous Substances in Waters of the United States Likely to Destroy or Damage Ships or to Interfere with Maritime Commerce

Summary

It is a crime to knowingly put a device or dangerous substance into U.S. navigable waters if you mean to damage or destroy a ship or its cargo, to mess up safe navigation, or to hurt maritime trade and its facilities. A person who does this can be fined, jailed for any number of years or for life, or both. If someone dies because of the act, the offender can face the death penalty. Lawful U.S. government activities are not covered. Dangerous substance: any solid, liquid, or gas that can harm a vessel or its cargo or interfere with navigation. Device: any object whose make or materials can harm a vessel or its cargo or interfere with navigation.